An update on Arbutus corridor area gardens

CP recently informed residents and business owners near the Arbutus Corridor of its intention to upgrade the Arbutus Rail Line to meet the regulated safety requirements needed to operate trains.

CP also advised that all encroachments, including garden plots, were to be removed from its property by July 31, 2014.

As part of the City’s Community Garden Program, there are approximately 350 permitted garden plots on City-owned land near the rail line.

Unfortunately, some of the permitted gardens expanded onto land outside of the City’s jurisdiction, while others established garden plots independently.

What the City is doing

The City has offered to take part in a mediated discussion with CP to resolve the issues around the Corridor, and we are hopeful that they will agree. CP owns the right of way, so legal options available to the City to prevent the removal of encroachments are limited.

We have also offered to remove and transplant fruit bearing trees that are being affected.

What to do if you need to move your garden

If you are relocating plants from CP property, be aware that some areas are infested with fire ants. If you move plants, they should be “bare-rooted,” meaning all soil is removed from the plant and its roots system before relocation.

Join a new community garden, or start your own

Vancouver has more than 75 community gardens, located in City parks, on other public property like school yards, as well as on private property.

Community gardens in Vancouver are all administered by local community groups. Unfortunately, there are many more people interested in garden plots than there is space available and waiting lists exist.

The City and Park Board support you and your community group to develop new urban agriculture projects in parks and on City-owned land. Fill out an Expression of Interest application. Applications are reviewed each fall.